SingHealth has announced the launch of the SingHealth College of Clinical Pharmacy during the SingHealth Duke-NUS Education Conference 2024, held on 27 September.
This new institution aims to address the growing need for advanced pharmacy training in light of evolving healthcare challenges. The college will play a vital role in enhancing skills in precision medicine, population health, and the use of emerging technologies.
Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Health, who officiated the event, highlighted the need for specialised education in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
He stated, “The College is set up in response to the rapidly-changing pharmacy landscape and recognition of the need to deepen competencies for SingHealth’s pharmacy workforce.”
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Boosting Pharmacy Skills for Complex Healthcare Needs
The SingHealth College of Clinical Pharmacy enhances the professional development of pharmacy staff, equipping them to handle the increasing complexities of healthcare.
The college will cater to more than 1,400 pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy assistants, offering specialised training in areas such as precision medicine and community-based care.
It will also double SingHealth’s training capacity, providing education for 400 pharmacists and pharmacy support staff annually.
This initiative comes at a critical time, with Singapore’s population on track to become super-aged by 2026. In a statement to the Straits Times, SingHealth emphasised the importance of preparing healthcare professionals for these future demands, noting that “by sharpening their skills and deepening their understanding of their role in new community-based care models, pharmacists will be better poised to supplement care and extend their roles beyond hospital walls.”
Incorporating Technology into Pharmacy Education
The SingHealth College of Clinical Pharmacy will integrate cutting-edge technology into its training programmes. The aim is to prepare pharmacists to use tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in their practice. This approach will enhance efficiency and accuracy in pharmacy operations.
Dr Janil highlighted the importance of technology in the healthcare landscape. He states, “AI presents significant opportunities to deliver safe, clinically efficacious, and cost-effective healthcare across various domains.”
One such innovation is Project VRx, a virtual reality simulation programme that enhances knowledge and skills in medication safety. This immersive training platform allows pharmacists to refine their techniques in a simulated environment, equipping them to handle real-world challenges more effectively.
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Addressing Community-Based Care and Ageing Population
The SingHealth College of Clinical Pharmacy focuses on equipping pharmacists with skills for community-based care, addressing Singapore’s rapidly ageing population. As Singapore nears super-aged status by 2026, the college will train pharmacists to support illness prevention, wellness, and active ageing.
SingHealth further stated that “by sharpening their skills and deepening their understanding of their role in new community-based care models, pharmacists will be better poised to supplement care and extend their roles in areas such as illness prevention, encouraging wellness, and active ageing in the community.”
Advancing Pharmacy Education for the Future
The launch of the SingHealth College of Clinical Pharmacy positions the healthcare cluster to meet future demands of an ageing population. Additionally, the college equips pharmacists with up-to-date knowledge and skills, especially in precision medicine, population health, and integrating technology.
Leaders in pharmacy education will guide the college in training 400 pharmacists and support staff annually. SingHealth’s group chief pharmacist, Lita Chew, expressed her commitment to pushing the frontiers of clinical pharmacy
“We aim to keep strengthening our capabilities to address current gaps and emerging health challenges.” She said.
Image credit: Lianhe Zaobao via Straits Times
